When and why should you switch to LED for your sign?

If your business is still using neon or fluorescent lights, LED retrofit signs from Phoenix are the most direct way to cut energy consumption, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce downtime due to failures. At Mas Color Signs, we audit your sign, calculate the ROI of the upgrade, and design a preventive maintenance plan to keep it looking like new all year round.

What is an LED retrofit, and when is it worthwhile?

A retrofit replaces the existing lighting technology (neon/fluorescent) with efficient LED modules and drivers while preserving the sign’s structure and branding. It’s worthwhile when:

Power consumption is high, and there are areas with poor uniformity.

Repairs are frequent (ballasts, transformers, tubes).

You’re looking for more brightness with even light distribution and less heat in cabinets.

You want to extend the lifespan without manufacturing a new sign.

From a technical standpoint, migrating to LED provides energy efficiency and a longer lifespan compared to legacy technologies, as supported by U.S. Department of Energy guidelines. U.S.

Key benefits

Energy savings: LEDs consume substantially less energy than traditional technologies; at the same brightness, this difference translates into lower monthly costs.

Less corrective maintenance: by eliminating fragile sources (tubes, neon) and ballasts, failures and emergency service calls are reduced.

Superior brightness and uniformity: proper selection of modules, optics, and diffusers eliminates “hot spots” in light boxes and improves legibility.

Safety and compliance: using UL 48-listed and labeled components simplifies post-service inspections and future modifications.

Retrofit or new sign?

Choosing a retrofit is optimal when the structure is sound (free of corrosion or deformation), the face can be reused or replaced at low cost, and the brand design remains unchanged. If there is structural damage, more stringent anchoring standards, or a major rebranding, it’s best to get a quote for a new sign and compare it against the 3–5-year ROI of a retrofit (energy + service + lost opportunity from outages).

Brightness, color temperature, and visibility

For retail and QSR, a medium-to-high color temperature (e.g., 5,000–6,500 K) helps highlight red and blue logos and ensures readability from a distance; in clinics or residential areas, it’s best to lower the brightness or use 4,000–5,000 K for a more welcoming presence. Adjusting uniformity and cd/m² level keeps the brand sharp without washing out the color at night. (The IES publishes practices for luminance in off-road signage.)

Which standards are inspected?

For electrical signs, a standard pairing applies: NEC Article 600 for installation and UL 48 for product safety/labeling. Using certified kits and modules and documenting the change on the nameplate/service labels prevents inspection rejections. UL confirms that retrofit kits for signs exist and that modifications must be considered in relation to the original certification.

Proactive maintenance: the secret to keeping your sign always selling

The LED conversion pays off more when accompanied by quarterly or semi-annual preventive maintenance:

Interior/exterior cleaning of acrylics and diffusers (restores perceived luminance).

Electrical inspection: tightening connections, verifying drivers, and moisture protection.

Basic photometric check: detect light drops and replace modules before they start to flicker.

Brightness calibration (when controllers or dimmers are present) to prevent glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties. Good practices and luminance recommendations in IES/USSCF guidelines.

What process do we follow at Mas Color Signs?

Technical diagnosis: site survey, internal cabinet photos, power consumption, and uniformity measurements.

Retrofit engineering: selection of listed LED modules and drivers, new light distribution, replacement of diffusers if applicable, and labeling in accordance with UL 48.

Installation and testing: load balancing, moisture sealing, and nighttime uniformity testing.

LED sign maintenance: scheduled cleaning, electrical inspection, and perceived luminance report.

Quick response: from Sign Repair Phoenix to vandalism, storms, or isolated failures.

Clear signs that it’s time to convert.

Noisy or leaking/arcing neon transformer. (Neon-to-LED conversion reduces heat and high voltage.)

Hot spots, “washed-out” faces, or colors that no longer match the brand (brightness and uniformity).

Flickering fluorescent tubes or failing ballasts.

High energy consumption during extended hours (24/7).

Corrective inspections every few months (better to switch to preventive cleaning and electrical inspection).

Final recommendations

Standardize color temperature and drivers by sign family to simplify spare parts.

Document the post-retrofit electrical diagram in the minutes and affix it inside the cabinet.

If your location has luminance policies, let’s calibrate the level to comply without sacrificing impact.

Do you want a brighter sign that uses less energy?

Request your retrofit assessment today and work with us to create an annual preventive maintenance plan. Mas Color Signs handles engineering, installation, labeling, and service so your sign sells every day. Request a diagnosis. Request a quote or call 623-297-3457 to get started.

FAQs

Does the retrofit affect my certification/labeling?

If the lighting system is modified, compliance with UL 48 must be maintained and the change documented. We work with listed components and up-to-date labeling.

How much savings can I expect?

It depends on the size, hours of use, and current technology. Generally speaking, LEDs consume much less energy than fluorescent or neon lights, which lowers your electricity bill and reduces service calls.

Can I keep my cabinet and just replace the “insides”?

Yes, if the structure is in good condition. We evaluate the support, seals, and faces; if everything is viable, we replace modules/drivers, improve diffusion, and re-label the equipment.